Kelly Dean Jolley

Kelly Dean Jolley is a Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Auburn University, where he holds the Goodwin-Philpott Eminent Professor of Religion title. He earned his PhD from the University of Rochester and has served as past chair of the Department of Philosophy and past Alumni Professor. He is based in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University.

• PhD, University of Rochester

His primary research interests include philosophy of religion, philosophical psychology, metaphilosophy, and aesthetics. He has published extensively on Wittgenstein, Kant, Plato, and Montaigne, and is particularly known for his work on conceptual paradoxes and philosophical illusion. His scholarly publications include The Concept 'Horse' Paradox and Wittgensteinian Conceptual Investigations and the edited volume Ludwig Wittgenstein: Key Concepts.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a rich interplay between rigorous analytic philosophy and creative literary expression. They span Wittgenstein studies, Kantian critique, metaphilosophy, and philosophical psychology, while also including original fiction and poetry. His fictional works—such as The Vanishing Woman, Big Swamp, and Pride, Prejudice, and Pretense—demonstrate a unique synthesis of philosophical insight with narrative art, particularly through Austen-inspired reinterpretations. His recent articles and books show a sustained engagement with themes of self-knowledge, perception, and the limits of philosophical understanding.

His awards and honors include:

• Goodwin-Philpott Eminent Professor of Religion
• Past Alumni Professor at Auburn University

Jolley has advised numerous students and contributed to philosophy education through public talks and teaching reflections, emphasizing active reading and intellectual discipline. He has not publicly listed his advisees, but his influence is evident in student-centered pedagogy. He has led departmental initiatives and contributed to the intellectual culture at Auburn, including through blog posts and public commentary on philosophy and literature.

He is associated with the Auburn Philosophy Department and maintains an active intellectual and creative presence through his blog Quantum Est In Rebus Inane, where he explores philosophical, literary, and personal themes.